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Report to: |
Place Scrutiny Committee
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Date of meeting:
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12 July 2024 |
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By: |
Deputy Chief Executive
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Title: |
Place Scrutiny Committee future work programme
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Purpose: |
To review and agree items for the Place Scrutiny Committee’s future work programme and receive updates on previous work. |
RECOMMENDATIONS: The Place Scrutiny Committee is recommended to:
2) Review upcoming items on East Sussex County Council’s (ESCC) Forward Plan in appendix 2 to identify any issues that may require more detailed scrutiny;
3) Note the report back from the Scoping Board in section 4.1 of the report and agree to proceed with a review of Local Speed Limit Policy and appoint Cllr Hollidge as chair of the Review Board;
4) Note the update from the LTP Reference Group and Economic Growth Strategy Reference Group as set out in sections 5.1 and 5.2 of the report.
1. Background
1.1 The work programme is an important tool in ensuring the correct focus and best use of the Committee’s time in scrutinising topics that are of importance to the residents of East Sussex, and the efficient and effective working of the Council. It also provides clarity for those who may be requested to give evidence to the Committee on the issues under review, and the questions the Committee requires answers to.
1.2.
Discussion of the work programme provides the Committee with the
opportunity to examine topics that it may be of value to
scrutinise, and to decide whether further scoping work is required.
This provides a basis for deciding the best way of scrutinising a
topic, the timescale, and who from the Committee will be involved
in carrying out the review work. If there are a number of topics
for review, the Committee can determine the priority of the work
within the resources available to the Committee.
2. Work programme and future scrutiny reviews
2.1 The Committee is asked to review the items in the current work programme and discuss the future agenda items and other scrutiny work of the Committee for inclusion in the Committee’s future work programme. A copy of an updated work programme is contained in appendix 1 of the report for consideration by the Committee.
2.2 The Committee is also asked to consider whether there are any potential topics for future scrutiny reviews, or agenda items for future meetings, that should be included in the work programme, including items contained the Council’s Forward Plan of decisions. This can include any topics or issues identified through the Committee’s work on the Reconciling Policy, Performance and Resources (RPPR) process discussed earlier in the agenda.
3. Forward Plan
3.1 A copy of the Council’s Forward Plan of executive decisions for the period 1 July 2024 to 31 October 2024 is included in appendix 2. The Committee is requested to review the forthcoming items on the Forward Plan to identify any issues that may require scrutiny work. The Forward Plan is revised and published on a monthly basis, and Committee members should regularly review the Forward Plan.
4. Scrutiny Review of Local Speed Limit Policy – Scoping Board
4.1 The scoping board for the potential Scrutiny Review of Local Speed Limit Policy met on 21 May 2024. It was comprised of Councillors Beaver, Hilton, Hollidge (Chair), Kirby-Green, Redstone and Wright. The Board considered a range of initial information and evidence on the topic and discussed potential lines of enquiry for a review. The scoping board is working to a agree a terms of reference for the review and recommends that the Committee proceed with a scrutiny review of this topic. The review board will be comprised of Councillors Beaver, Hilton, Hollidge (Chair), Kirby-Green, Lunn, Murphy, Redstone, and Wright.
5. Reference Group and Working Group Updates
Local Transport Plan (LTP) Reference Group
5.1 Since the last Committee meeting the LTP Reference Group has met to receive an update on the outcome of the public consultation and to consider the suggested changes to the draft LTP in the light of the consultation. There had been a good response to the public consultation with positive feedback and support for the proposed vision, objectives and interventions contained in the draft LTP. Work is continuing to update the Rail Strategy, develop a Freight Strategy and enrich the Equalities Impact Assessment. In its future work, the LTP Reference Group will consider the final version of the draft LTP prior to it being considered by Cabinet in September. The next meeting of the LTP Reference Group is scheduled for 2 September 2024.
The Economic Growth Strategy (EGS) Reference Group
5.2 The Economic Growth Strategy (EGS) Reference Group has completed its work on the draft Economic Growth Strategy which is being developed by Team East Sussex (TES) and its partners as a Strategy for East Sussex. The EGS Reference Group is one of a number of other stakeholders who have been providing input into the development of the Strategy. The work of the Reference Group has included examining the feedback from stakeholder engagement activities on the new Strategy; meeting with businesses representatives and other stakeholders to hear their views on what should be included the Strategy; and consideration of the draft Strategy document. The Strategy is now going through an approval process and will be considered by Cabinet in September.
6. Conclusion and reasons for recommendations
6.1 The Place Scrutiny Committee is recommended to consider the work programme contained in appendix 1 and agree any further agenda items or topics for scrutiny reviews to be included in the future work programme. The Committee is also recommended to review the Council’s Forward Plan of decisions to identify any issues that may require more detailed scrutiny, and agree to proceed with a Scrutiny Review of Local Speed Limit Policy.
PHILIP BAKER
Deputy Chief Executive
Contact Officer:
Martin Jenks, Senior Scrutiny Adviser
Tel. No. 01273 481327
Email: martin.jenks@eastsussex.gov.uk